NEFE / NACDC - Setting financial goals

Setting Financial Goals

One of the most important things you can do for your future is to develop goals. It’s okay to change goals from time to time. As we grow and change, so do our goals. Just make sure your goals reflect the kind of life you want for yourself, your family, your tribe, and your community.

Some of your financial goals may require you to get additional training or education. How do you get that training? Many Native Americans have found that setting financial goals and sticking to them—including getting the training they need to help them with their goals—puts them in a better financial position to build a brighter future. Review the Resources page for organizations that can help you find financial aid to further your education and training.

Your first step in managing your money is to write down some of your financial goals, such as paying off a loan or saving for a college education. Next, create a step-by-step plan to help meet those goals and when you plan to achieve them. The following worksheets will help:

Jay Dusty Bull

Jay Dusty Bull wanted to quit school when he was 12 years old and in the sixth grade. He didn’t care about his future and had given up on life. But when the Native American Bank (NAB) introduced its mini-bank financial literacy program at the Blackfeet reservation schools, Dusty Bull became interested. He soon became actively involved, learning the basics of financial literacy and taking a leadership role by becoming president of the Blackfeet mini-bank. Eleven years later, Dusty Bull became an advocate for learning about saving and investing money and serves as a strong role model. He has saved $7,000 and is attending college at Blackfeet Community College, where he will finish his two-year degree before transferring to the University of Montana to complete his bachelor’s degree. As an adult, Dusty Bull is involved in Native American Business Leaders and is an example of how learning about money and managing it can lead to success.

“If I did not get involved with the financial literacy program at the school, Browning Middle School Mini Bank, my career path and personal life would have suffered,” Dusty Bull says. “I consider myself a successful leader in native communities and I believe that my leadership is growing in non-native communities. Saving is important to me because it makes me feel free.”